The Institute of Medicine announced on Monday that it will examine the hydraulic fracturing or fracking processto drill for natural gas to determine whether the process "poses potential heatlh challenges."

The news came from a spokesman for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The institute is part of the National Academy of Sciences and advises U.S. government agencies on health issues.

The institute intends to look at water and air contamination issues surrounding drilling for natural gas and oil.

Federal health officials have gotten complaints from people in areas where gas wells have been drilled. That includes complaints of nausea, respiratory issues and irritating odors.